Business & Finance Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Fundraiser Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median fundraiser salary in Columbia, MO is $56,461 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$56,461
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,699
Cost of Living
88%

Fundraiser Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median fundraiser salary of $56,461, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $56,461. Compared to the national median of $64,160, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,461 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for fundraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fundraisers in Columbia spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $101,200 at the 90th percentile — a $69,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,040. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fundraiser Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,040
$-12,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $56,461
75th Percentile $77,440
90th Percentile $101,200

Fundraiser Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$59,027
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$57,744
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$54,536
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$52,611
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Fundraiser in Columbia

Education

Most fundraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Columbia

Browse open fundraiser positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Columbia

How much does a Fundraiser make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Columbia, Missouri is $56,461 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,461, a fundraiser in Columbia earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for fundraiser pay? ▼
Columbia's median fundraiser salary of $56,461 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $56,461. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a fundraiser salary of $56,461 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Columbia? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.